How to Shine Antique Brass Hardware
If you're lucky enough to have antique brass hardware in your home, take proper care of it. This handsome alloy of copper and zinc tarnishes easily, so it's often coated with clear lacquer to protect it. Whether yours is coated or not, here are some tips for keeping brass hardware in gleaming good shape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find out whether your hardware has a lacquer coat by applying brass polish with a cloth. If the cloth turns black, the brass doesn't have a protective coat.
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Do routine maintenance on your brass. If the brass is uncoated, rub with a jeweler's cloth or apply a brass polish when the hardware starts to tarnish. (The oil in brass polish can help deter tarnishing.) Rub with a piece of flannel to remove excess polish.
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If the brass has a lacquer coat, wash occasionally with warm soapy water and dry well. At least twice a year, apply paste wax with a soft cloth and wipe clean.
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Remove the lacquer if it starts to get worn and tarnish begins to appears under the finish (iIt will look stained). Take the brass hardware off the cabinet or piece of furniture. Brush lacquer thinner on the hardware, keep it on a few minutes, wipe it off with a cloth and dry it. Shine the hardware with a brass polish.
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Leave your brass hardware as is, and polish it when it begins to tarnish. If you prefer to coat it again, apply lacquer according to manufacturer's instructions or use a lacquered cloth (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
If your brass is badly tarnished or scratched, call a professional restorer. A high-end furniture store usually can provide you with contacts.
Don't use metal cleaner on your brass hardware. It can damage the finish and the brass itself.
